Where to Recycle Old Computers for Cash

Profit from getting rid of outdated tech

By
Cesar Aroldo-Cadenas
Cesar Cadenas Writer
Cesar Aroldo-Cadenas
Writer
  • California State University - Long Beach
Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 18, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Eco Tech

While you can throw away or recycle old computers, why not make some quick cash from the equipment you no longer need (or want)?

This article will show you highly recommended places where you can trade in old computers. Don't worry if you have private information on those old computers. Every one of the following services will wipe the hard drive after receiving it.

We recommend backing up your data and then erasing your computer's storage before donating/selling/recycling/throwing the machine away.

01
of 05

Best Buy

Best Buy has a pretty extensive and well-known trade-in program that accepts a wide variety of computer brands and some lesser-known names like CyberPowerPC and iBUYPOWER. If your computer isn't on the list, you can enter in the computer's processor and RAM instead.

The website comes with a helpful trade-in calculator, which allows you to see how much you'll be getting before bringing the computer to a store.

In-store trade-ins aren't available at every location, but Best Buy does allow customers to mail in the computer to Best Buy. Best Buy will give you a prepaid shipping label to print out, but you must provide a box. Best Buy pays with a gift card for in-person trade-ins or an e-gift card if you ship it, which you'll get ten days from when Best Buy receives the computer.

02
of 05

Apple Trade-In

If you have an old Mac lying around, you can take it back to Apple. The company has a trade-in program that pays with an Apple Gift Card. The company will give you a quote for your machine, which you then take into an Apple Store to trade-in or use a prepaid trade-in kit to mail in the computer.

The trade-in kit comes via the mail and has instructions on preparing your computer for shipment. Apple will also instruct you on how to move your Mac's data to a new Mac, so nothing is lost.

And if you want to get an idea of how much you'll get, Apple provides an estimated trade-in value on the program's front page.

03
of 05

CanitCash

CanitCash will accept many different types of PCs and Macs and is quite flexible with its payment options. The website can pay you through either PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or an Amazon gift card, to name a few options. Payments go out the same or the next day once the computer has been received and inspected.

The site will give you an instant quote and offers free insured shipping. Cainitcash will even pick up the package for free with no hidden fees attached. And if you happen to disagree with the evaluation, CanitCash will return the computer to you for free.

04
of 05

It's Worth More

It's Worth More is one of the most popular trade-in services on the internet, with thousands of positive reviews. It has similar services like instant quotes and a free pre-paid shipping label. It's Worth More stands out with a bulk BuyBack program where you can send multiple computers and devices at once. Best of all, there's free shipping.

The website has a great exchange rate offering hundreds of dollars for well-kept laptops. Upon checkout, you have the option to receive money via a paper check, PayPal, or Zelle transfer. While you're there, It's Worth More has an online store where you can buy certified used computers.

05
of 05

SellBroke

SellBroke will accept both working and broken computers and send a same-day PayPal or Google Pay payment or mail a check once the company receives the machine.

Quotes are instantaneous, and you can add multiple devices to a cart. Best of all, shipping is free, and you’ll get a prepaid shipping label sent to you via email.

SellBroke is known to pay handsomely for broken products. Even if a laptop has a broken screen and a defective hard drive can still be worth some money. Other services won’t accept a broken laptop.

FAQ
  • Why should I recycle my old electronics?

    E-waste is a growing environmental concern because the metals and chemicals in old electronics can leak into our soil and water. Sadly, just 20% of e-waste is recycled correctly.

  • How do I dispose of a computer battery?

    To properly dispose of a computer battery, use Call2Recycle’s locator tool to find a battery recycling center near you. Anywhere that recycles computers should also take batteries.

  • How do I dispose of old keyboards?

    Don't throw your old keyboard in the trash. If the keyboard works, donate or repurpose it. If it doesn't, recycle your keyboard at an e-waste facility.

Was this page helpful?